1998 Catalina 42 vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

1998 Catalina 421998 Catalina 42
VS
Hanse 320Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Catalina 42Hanse 320
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHanse
Year1998–20042005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry Douglasjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Catalina 42
16.39
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Catalina 42
40.48
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Catalina 42
0.75
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Catalina 42
17.96
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Catalina 42 and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1998 Catalina 42 is 2.88m longer than the Hanse 320. The 1998 Catalina 42 displaces approximately 107% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Catalina 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.39 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The Hanse 320, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Catalina 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Catalina 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Catalina 42 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The Hanse 320 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1998 Catalina 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1998 Catalina 42 · Hanse 320